Big Blue Is Headed to Labrador!

I'll wait while you consult a map

Newfoundland is one of our favorite places. We’ve traveled there twice, the first time by car in 2018 (2 weeks), and a return trip in Big Blue in 2023 (5 weeks).

We love the wide open vistas and rugged coastline, the lighthouses with their sounding foghorns, and the abundant whales and adorable puffins. That’s not to mention the cool temperatures, interesting history, and friendly people, plus a piece of pan-fried cod on our plate every night.

This year we wanted to return to NFLD with two differences — to visit during “iceberg season” and to add on a ferry trip to Labrador, which is part of mainland Canada. If all goes according to plan, we’ll be gone about seven weeks.

(photo below from the west coast of NFLD, 2023)

Day 1, May 20

After a big storm earlier in the week, the weather at home in Virginia was the springtime ideal — a high pressure system having delivered a lovely cool breeze and blue skies. Doug took care of maintenance on both our truck (F-250) and Lance camper and combined the two, which creates the rig we call Big Blue. She sat like a queen in our driveway while we got her prepped.

When we pack we follow a detailed 4-page list that I maintain with a zeal bordering on neuroses. We stocked Big Blue with food, clothing, tools, solar panels, camp chairs, hiking shoes, binoculars, flyswatters and toilet paper. We also ate down our home pantry, fridge and freezer and arranged for someone to live in our home during our absence.

By noon we were ready to leave, right on schedule! But we couldn’t leave, as we were waiting for a delivery of prescription medication — the single detail that has caused us the most headache while on the road, especially while out of the country.

We applauded when the delivery truck arrived, and then hit the road.

Following secondary roads, as we usually do, we headed north. The weather grew overcast as we drove and rain felt imminent. We arrived at a KOA Journey near Allentown, PA around 6:00. About 190 miles from home.

We had advance planned each stop for the first five nights so we would get to the ferry port in Nova Scotia on time. Ferry reservations to NFLD are typically sold out six months in advance so they are THE critical piece of planning a trip like this. (We were unable to book a cabin, and will be spending an overnight in chairs. Stay tuned.)

We only occasionally stay at KOAs, but they have their place. Doug planned this stop so we could fill our water tanks and have electricity in case it was useful the first night.

Our camping spot was beside a picturesque bubbling brook. Set up takes less than five minutes (if the spot is level). We walked around the quiet campground for an hour, including a jaunt up a steep hill where lots of seasonal rigs were dug in. It was full dark by the time we heated up some cream of crab soup for supper.

The routines came back in the form of body memories. Oh that’s right, this is where I store my face wash. This is how we handle the garbage. This is where I put my rings during the night.

Were in bed before 10:00.

Big Blue to Labrador is underway at last!